Amherst residents can now try their hand at a new sport without spending a dime, thanks to a free equipment lending program launched by the Town of Amherst’s Active Living and Recreation division. The program offers a range of gear—from tennis racquets and snowshoes to ice skates and pickleball equipment—available for loan at no cost. Equipment can be booked online through a simple form, with pickup and return arranged during the booking process.
The program is designed to remove financial barriers and encourage more people to get active. “Move more, sit less, while supporting active, healthy Amherst,” reads the town’s Equipment Lending Program page. “We loan recreation equipment free of charge.” Available items include snowshoes, hiking poles, ice cleats, ice skates, ice helmets, tennis racquets, pickleball racquets, washer toss sets, and various equipment kits.
Residents interested in borrowing gear must first complete an online booking form at forms.gle/Q1B5zonNY1VFqXw89. Equipment is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Amherst Stadium, located at 185 Church Street, has been a community hub since 1959 and is home to the Amherst Junior A Ramblers, Cumberland County Minor Hockey, and the Amherst Skating Club. For more details, the Amherst Stadium page offers additional information about the venue.
The new program arrives as equipment loan initiatives gain momentum across Nova Scotia. In 2023, Recreation Nova Scotia’s provincial equipment loan grant received over 60 applications with a combined ask of more than $300,000, funding 38 recipients. While Amherst was not among that year’s recipients, the municipality has chosen to fund its own program independently. Nearby, the Municipality of Cumberland runs a separate equipment loan service with 2-week borrowing periods and pickup points in Parrsboro, Springhill, Upper Nappan, and Pugwash. Additionally, organizations like KidSport Nova Scotia provide up to $500 per child each year to cover registration and equipment costs for families facing financial challenges.
Corey Crocker, Manager of Facilities & Sports Tourism Development for Amherst’s Parks and Recreation department, can be reached at 902-694-0001 for program inquiries. The initiative complements broader local support for recreation, including over $150,000 in community grants approved by Amherst Town Council for 2026-2027, which includes funding for groups like Amherst Little League Baseball and the Amherst Minor Basketball Association.
